Innovative Bacterial Cellulose Dressings Enable Rapid Bleeding Control in Burn Wound Treatment

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking bacterial cellulose (BC)-based dressing that significantly enhances hemostatic performance, offering rapid and sustained bleeding control for burn wounds. Published in Advanced Materials, this study introduces a bioengineered dressing that anchors human-derived thrombin onto a BC matrix using a specialized cellulose-binding domain, creating a thrombin-anchored BC (T-BC) composite.

Burn injuries are complex traumas that often involve multiple organ systems, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality. Traditional hemostasis methods, such as electrocautery, can control bleeding but pose risks like thermal damage and operational limitations. BC, known for its unique microporous structure, mechanical robustness, breathability, and excellent biocompatibility, has been considered a promising wound dressing material. However, its lack of inherent hemostatic activity has limited its effectiveness in severe bleeding scenarios.

This innovative approach enhances BC's functionality by attaching thrombin, a key enzyme in blood clotting, to the nanomesh structure of BC through molecular bioengineering. The process involves a simple, mild immersion in a protein solution, avoiding harsh chemicals or extreme conditions typically used in chemical modifications. The resulting T-BC dressing demonstrates remarkable in vitro coagulation performance, rapidly promoting blood clot formation within one minute.

In animal models, such as rat liver incisions, T-BC efficiently stopped bleeding significantly faster than conventional dressings. Moreover, in a simulated deep second-degree burn wound model, wounds treated with T-BC showed accelerated healing, with a 40% higher closure rate after only five days. Detailed molecular analyses reveal that T-BC fosters wound repair through multiple mechanisms: enhancing new blood vessel formation (neovascularization), modulating inflammatory responses, and aiding tissue regeneration.

Safety evaluations confirmed that T-BC possesses excellent biocompatibility, showing no cytotoxicity, hemolysis, or adverse tissue reactions. Its bioengineered design ensures that the dressing is safe for clinical use. This approach opens new avenues for managing acute traumatic injuries and chronic wounds, emphasizing its potential as a versatile, effective dressing solution.

This development signals a significant advancement in wound care technology, offering a potent tool for emergency medicine and post-injury treatment. Ongoing research aims to optimize and translate this innovation into clinical applications, ultimately improving patient outcomes in burn and trauma care.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-bacterial-cellulose-based-rapid-wound.html